Modesty is a Part of Faith

Modesty is a Part of Faith

It was related on the authority of Abu Mas'ood Al-Badri, may Allaah be
pleased with him, that: "The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention) said: "One of the admonitions of the
previous prophets which has been conveyed to people is that if you have no
shame, you can do whatever you wish." [Al-Bukhaari]

Explanation of the Hadeeth:

The saying of the Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: ".If you feel no
shame, you can do whatever you wish" is in the command form, and can be
looked at from two angles, each conveying a distinct meaning:

(1) The first is that it is a form of threat and a challenge thrown down
against those who engage in inappropriate behaviour. Such people have no
shame in front of Allaah and therefore, no matter what course they take, it
would not make any real difference. In this case, it would be as if the
Hadeeth is stating: "If you do not feel any shame from doing these
prohibited acts, then do whatever you wish." Modesty is the quality that
prevents one from immodest behaviour, and the lack of it will only cause one
to increase in distancing himself from Allaah and make him indifferent to
creed or deed.

(2) The second meaning pertains to doing that which is lawful. That is, if
the action that one is about to do is not within the category of the
unlawful, and we are not ashamed of doing the act in front of Allaah or the
people, then we are free to do it. However, if we are ashamed to do it, then
we should not. The Hadeeth gives a measuring stick by which we can evaluate
actions, both privately and publicly.

Thus, the first explanation relates to a lack of consciousness regarding
Allaah and the second is regarding the opposite, which is to be conscious of
Allaah and of His watching over a person and his actions.

The former explanation relates to an unbridled Nafs (base desires and lower
self), whereas the latter implies observance of due constraint over it, so
that it does not embark on the road to destruction.

Modesty is of two types:

Modesty is either natural or acquired. Natural modesty means that the
individual has this quality by nature and does not need to exert any effort
to acquire it. Acquired modesty, on the other hand, is attained by those who
possess knowledge concerning Allaah, being cognisant concerning His
Greatness, Proximity and His Inspection of all that they do.

Points Related to Modesty:

1. Modesty is one of the most honourable attributes and is a consistent
virtue found in all the various laws sent down to each prophet and
messenger.

2. It is one of the most perfect and desirable characteristics to possess
and an excellent state to be in.

3. Modesty only brings good to individuals and is an indication of faith.

4. Bashfulness and shame is in direct opposition to indecency and
shamelessness.

5. Modesty is an element of faith, and indecency has no relation to it.

6. Modesty adorns one's nature and personality and is indicative of his
being Islamically cultured and refined.

7. Indecency, on the other hand, shows that one lacks virtues and is
uncouth, dishonourable and uncultured.

8. We are obligated to guard ourselves against indecency and from acting
indecently or uncultured, as qualified by Islam.

9. We must never misconstrue bashfulness or shyness with cowardice -
Islamically they are far from synonymous.

10. Modesty, as mentioned, is a root virtue. One of the fruits of modesty is
chastity.

11. There is no modesty when it comes to teaching the laws of Islam or
searching for the truth.

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